Child Protection

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COVID-19 update

Social Services continues to provide services through our various access points. For many programs, we are temporarily changing how we deliver critical community services to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Social Services will to continue to provide essential services while also protecting the well-being of our staff, contracted partners and all County residents.
Find out how our services are changing.

Protecting children

Dakota County Social Services investigates reports of child physical abuse, child sexual abuse and child neglect that are believed to be committed by a parent, relative or other household member. The agency also investigates reports of these incidents that are believed to have happened in a Dakota County child care home or foster care program.

Report child abuse

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call 952-891-7459. If ever a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police or sheriff's department.

Calls during the evening, weekend, or otherwise outside County office hours to report suspected child abuse or neglect should be made to the Dakota County Crisis Response Unit at 952-891-7171.